BOZAK, Spence

My wonderful husband, Spence, (self-appointed “2003 Husband of the Year”) passed away on Thursday morning, March 15th, after a long battle with kidney failure and a short battle with cancer. He was a big guy, who did everything in a BIG way, with a big smile and a big appetite for everything life had to offer. A true optimist! Spence wanted to be moving and doing something every hour of the day. Patience was not his forte. He loved his good buddies, business, politics, technology, movies, hunting (gophers or elk), fishing (only the catching), good music, driving boats, motorcycles, scuba diving, skiing, hiking, golfing, good food (& bad), watching hockey (if Tyler was playing), & football (watching with Mike). But most of all he cherished the times with his grandsons: Linus, Holden, Wylie, Brandon, who he shared his love of shooting and fishing, & Logan who he loved to tickle. Spence was born in Moose Jaw but also lived in Lebret, and Regina before moving to Calgary to market the lapel pins for the ‘88 Olympics. Over the years he was an entrepreneur, businessman, consultant, Conservative, a Mason, a Shriner, radio and television personality, producer, developer….but never boring. He touched many lives but none more than his two beautiful daughters Kim and Stacey Bozak, along with their mother Elaine.

But, no one can share the broken heart I feel since I’ve lost my husband, my true love, my ship, my sail, my wind. I will be forever grateful for all the years we’ve shared, in sickness and in health. I will always love Spence Bozak.

A Celebration of Spence’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. I would like to pass along our gratitude to the thousands of medical professionals who have cared for Spence over the past 15 years. Spence’s last three months were spent in the Santuari Hospice at the Peter Lougheed Centre. If friends or family wish to make a donation in Spence’s name, we ask you direct it to: Calgary Health Trust, Peter Lougheed Hospital, (Santuari Hospice), 800, 11012 McLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB, T2J 6A5 or on line at: www.calgaryhealthtrust.ca; or (403) 943 0615.

As Linda says above, we’ll remember Spence fondly for his appreciation of the ‘manly’ arts and his willingness to share his knowledge of them as well as for his tenacity and zest for life! There is a valuable lesson for all in the manner in which he fought his fight!

My sincere condolence to the family of Spencer. I knew him many years ago when his family were in Lebret. I remember playing Monopoly with him in the hotel in Lebret for a whole day. We had such fun and laughed a lot because my grandpa (grandpa & grandma lived in Lebret & I visited them often) had guards posted at the front and back door of the hotel to let him know when my grandma was coming to look for him. Spencer was a very kind young man and he was a pleasure to know and remember. My prayers are with his family.

We are deeply saddened to hear of Spence’s passing. During the early-mid 1990s we were next door neighbours in Christie Park. We remember Spence as a man who lived life large, and are sorry for your loss.

We were very sad to hear of Spence’s passing. It has been a very long time since I saw him. When he was married he was a Lieutenant in the Saskatchewan Dragoons in Moose Jaw. On the day that he and Elaine were married we had placed a military guard with crossed swords outside the church and he and Elaine passed underneath the guard. It was a beautiful day and a good memory. I wish Elaine and his entire family well during this very sad time.

Linda and family – I was truly saddened upon learning that Spence had passed away. He and I became great ‘pals’ when I started work as a Producer at CKCK-TV/Regina, back in 1976;he had warmly welcomed me to the fold. We worked on a number of shows together and I was truly impressed by his knowledge of television broadcasting, not to mention his great sense of humour. Sincere condolences to you and your family; he was a wonderful man.

I had the pleasure of working for Spence at Dome Advertising in the early 80’s and I can honestly say that this was the best job I have ever had. I fondly remember the duck phone in his office “quacking” at every incoming call….just one of the many “Bozakisms” Spence, you sincerely cared about your staff and always made sure that we felt appreciated and part of your team. My sincere condolences to your family at this very sad time.

Dear Linda
Such a beautiful obituary for a beautiful man. May the love you have for Spence console you, and warm your heart, in the days to come.
I am thinking of you. Perhaps, we can get together, with Jean, & share a lunch.
Judith

Linda, I will never forget the generosity that you and Spence extended to me while I was in Calgary visiting my dad in the Calgary Foothills hospital. The two of you were so kind to help my dad in his moment of need, and then you were so gracious in sharing your home with me while I was out there visiting him. I will always remember fondly how Spence took care of me – he made me feel like a daughter for those few days! Please know that you are in my thoughts. Jen